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The Edinburgh Fringe One-Weeker 2015 – Nicholas Parsons’ Happy Hour

Just as Bob Monkhouse was the big name in entertainment when I was growing up, Nicholas Parsons was always there too, playing the straight man to Benny Hill, (before that, Arthur Haynes if you can remember that far back), and of course always associated with Sale of the Century and Just a Minute. I read his autobiography some time ago, and found it fascinating. He seems like a really nice guy! And here he is, back at the Edinburgh Fringe, presenting his Happy Hour at the grand old age of 91. That’s absolutely amazing.

Here’s what the blurb says: “Celebrating 15 years on the Pleasance stage join West End, screen and radio star Nicholas Parsons for his most magnificent show yet! The host of BBC Radio 4’s Just a Minute invites you to come and join the fun and laughter at his sell-out improvised comedy and chat show with a host of special celebrity guests. Past guests have included Jason Byrne, Michael McIntyre, John Bishop, Sue Perkins, Shappi Khorsandi, Gyles Brandreth, Micky Flanagan and Russell Kane. Not to be missed.”

I’ve seen Nicholas Parsons’ twice before – once when we went to see a recording of two episodes of Just A Minute, and once when he was the Narrator for the Rocky Horror Show. He’s a complete natural on stage and I’m really looking forward to seeing him do his comedy chat show at the Fringe, 17:10 at the Pleasance Courtyard Cabaret Bar. No idea who his guests will be – I guess that’s all part of the fun. Check back around 6.30 to find out how it went. And you can also see what our next show will be too.

Update:

What a charming way to spend an hour. Nicholas Parsons has a delightful avuncular but still very cheeky manner who regales you with lovely old stories, and introduces his guests like an old pal. His guests were Richard Vranch and Suzi Webster from Paul Merton’s Improv show, Sue Kelvin and Alex Young singing some Bette Midler, and cricket’s very own Blofeld and Baxter. Huge fun – and Mr Parsons is a legend!